ROSANNA NATOLI FOR SUNSHINE COAST MAYOR
Sunshine Coast television presenter and University lecturer Rosanna Natoli has announced she will run for Mayor at the local government elections in March this year.
A long-time local, Mrs Natoli said she could no longer stand by and watch the community’s needs being ignored.
“Protecting our lifestyle is incredibly important to locals, and decisions by council impact on us all. I can’t sit on the sidelines any longer … I want to take the Sunshine Coast forward and fight for what matters to us all.”
Mrs Natoli cited rail to Brisbane, protecting lifestyle, infrastructure, planning for growth and cost of living as major issues. Maintaining economic strength through local businesses and supporting the huge potential of the tourism industry were also priorities.
Other priorities include the arts, multicultural communities, seniors, and youth.
“Everywhere you look, locals are dismayed at what’s happening to their lifestyle, on the roads, on beaches, in business and in their suburbs… It’s time all these voices were listened to.”
“We need fast, efficient transport that connects us all – every suburb, every day. There are 340,000 people who need better transport options, and they need them now.”
“I won’t stop until we have heavy, passenger rail from Brisbane to Beerwah, Aura, Caloundra, Kawana and Maroochydore, and rail duplication to Nambour. It’s essential. Plus, we need electric or hydro buses connecting suburbs north/south/east and west.
“The heavy rail will ease parking and traffic problems and allow the Bruce Highway to flow again. I already have a strong relationship with our elected members of parliament – we need our fair share of funding, and I will work with them to make it happen.”
Rosanna’s husband, Joe Natoli will seek re-election as a councillor in Division 4.
“Our family has been passionate about serving this community for decades…. we don’t agree on everything, but we will negotiate like all good mayors and councillors.”
Rosanna has been a popular face on television screens for 7NEWS since 1995 and has lectured in journalism at UniSC since 1999.
Her children are Ruby, 21, Mia, 19 and Roman, 16. She has lived on the Sunshine Coast since 1989.